FIVE monkeys - three of which are a critically endangered species - have been stolen from a zoo in what police said appeared to be a "planned and pre-meditated" break-in.

The raiders cut a hole in the perimeter fence of Blackpool Zoo and removed the locks from two separate enclosures.

Two female and one baby cotton-top tamarin monkeys and two male emperor tamarins were stolen overnight on Tuesday.

The cotton-top tamarin is considered one of the world's most endangered primates.

There are said to be about 6,000 such monkeys left in the wild in their native Colombia, with numbers largely reduced through deforestation.

Police believe they were targeted specifically and their details have been circulated to all ports and airports in case the thieves try to take them abroad to sell them as pets on the black market.

The enclosure from which the monkeys were stolen [RPY]

We are very concerned about where the animals are because if they're not looked after properly they will get ill and die

Charlotte Pennie

Charlotte Pennie, head of the primate enclosure at the zoo, said: "The rest of the group seem quiet and subdued. They would have been very scared last night, I would be surprised if the male didn't try to attack the people who came in and took the other animals.

"We are very concerned about where the animals are because if they're not looked after properly they will get ill and die. If the baby is taken away from its mother it will not be able to cope and it will die."

Officers are working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit to try to trace them.

Pc Steve Higgs, of Blackpool Police, said: "It would appear from the way that these thieves have broken into the zoo that this was a planned and pre-meditated crime and that the offenders knew what they were looking for and knew that the monkeys would be in the enclosures.

"I would appeal for anyone who has any information or any witnesses who saw anything suspicious on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning to get in touch. It may be that there were dog walkers around at that time who may have seen people acting suspiciously.

"I would also appeal to anyone who may be offered these animals for sale to contact the police."

Police added that the stolen monkeys need specialist care and keepers are very concerned about their welfare.

Two Emperor Tamarins, including this one, were also stolen [RPY]

Zoo director Darren Webster said: "We are extremely saddened by the theft of these monkeys and it is imperative they receive the correct care in order to survive.

"All the animals were born here at Blackpool Zoo and are part of our zoo family, so I would like to urge anyone with any information to contact the police."

Julie Hackett, a spokeswoman for Blackpool Zoo, said: "These monkeys have a balanced diet at regular times and it is important that they receive this.

"We are very concerned about their welfare especially as they get very stressed by being taken away from the group.

"It is essential that we get them back."

She added: "We know there is an exotic pet market out there that some people are willing to pay for."

Andy McWilliam, investigations officer at the National Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "There is a specialist market out there for these species.

"Certain individuals do collect them and do want them."

"We are making inquiries across Europe in a bid to try and trace them."